Latch mechanism



June 18, 1963 LATCH MECHANISM Filed July 27, 1960 1 LE El INVENTORS HOW/7E0 0. #1085056- 3056'27' t. 19(026066' S mwpMW HTTOE/VfY H. D. ALDREDGE ETA]. 3,094,236

United States Patent 3,094,236 LATCH MECHANISM Howard D. Aldredge and Robert L. Aldredge, Dayton, Ohio, assignors to Container Service Company, Inc, Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed July 27, 1960, Ser. No. 45,746 7 Claims. (Cl. 217-60) This invention relates to latch mechanism and more particularly to mechanism for latching a lid in an open position. It is especially advantageous in application to trash containers and will be so described. However, the nature and scope of the invention is obviously not so limited since other embodiments and applications of the invention are readily apparent therefrom.

Large containers used for temporary storage of waste materials should be tightly covered for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, they must be opened and closed frequently to dispose of waste. For purposes of expediency the lids are generally hinged. As conventionally provided, when a lid is to be lifted to introduce waste to a container it is either swung completely open to be fully supported solely by its hinges or else the lid is held up with one hand while waste is introduced with the other. In the first instance the weight of the lid is usually such that it places a great strain on its hinges which soon fail to properly function as this is often repeated. In the second instance it is difficult to hold a heavy lid in one hand while handling waste with the other. This has led to use of various means to prop a lid open in order to facilitate introduction of materials to the container which it covers. However, these means are not always effective or positive in character. Many times they have permitted a lid to fall shut without warning with bodily harm resulting to a person in process of introducing waste to the container covered thereby.

The present invention eliminates the problems above indicated by providing an improved mechanism for latching a lid in a raised or open position. Embodiments are exceedingly simple yet positive in character. Their application not only facilitates gaining access to con tainers having hinged lids but also provides a definite factor of safety in manipulating lids, particularly those employed on large containers. As mentioned previously, invention embodiments are particularly advantageous for use on large trash containers. When applied in a preferred embodiment, the invention also provides means for producing a gradually increasing upward bias on a lid as it is lifted. The latter feature, as is obvious, makes it easier to manipulate heavy lids.

A primary object of the invention is to provide improved apparatus for latching a lid in an open position which is simple and economical to fabricate, eflicient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel latch means.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for application to a covered container which applies an upward bias on the cover thereof which increases as the cover is lifted relative to the container.

An additional object of the invention is to provide containers having hinged lids with novel latch means which facilitate lifting their lids.

A further object of the invention is to provide "a latch means possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the mode of operation herein mentioned.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists "ice of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trash container embodying the invention showing its lid latched in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 with its lid closed.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a latch element on the container; and

"FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the cooperation of the latch elements provided in the container as they function on raising and lowering the container lid.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The invention can be best described with reference to the container shown in the drawings.

A container 1 is shown to have an opening in its top 2 covered by a plate-like lid 3. The lid 3 is hinged at one side to the back Wall 4 of the container by hinges 5.

A latch element 6 is fixed to the inner surface of the wall4 of the container 1 at a position spaced below and equidistant from the hinges 5. The element 6 is in the form of a shaped bar fixed by one edge to the wall 4. The bar 6 is thus perpendicular to the wall 4 and projects therefrom in a lateral sense. In addition, the shape of the bar 6 is such as to provide a horizontal portion 7 to one end generally parallel to the bottom of the container while the remainder '8 is bent over and upwardly inclined relative the portion 7. The relatively divergent portions of the bar 6 in effect define a recess 9 therebetween. It should be noted that the upper surface 10 of portion 8 of the bar 6 is sloped downwardly from right to left as viewed in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

Fixed to the undersurface of the lid 3 and projected therefrom is a pair of laterally spaced parallel bars 11. The bars 11 are oriented to extend in a sense perpendicular to the back wall of the container with the lid in a closed position. As positioned, the bars 11 are relatively centered on the undersurface of the lid intermediately of the hinges 5.

A pivot pin 12 connects bars lll intermediate their extremities. The pin 12 rotatably and slidably mounts a sleeve 13 having -a rod 14 integral therewith and projecting at right angles from a point equidistant from its extremities. A collar 15 is fixed to the rod 14 spaced outwardly from the sleeve 13. Springs 16 extend from diametrically opposite points on the collar 15 respectively in divergent paths to anchor on opposite adjacent surfaces of the bars ll to the rear of the pin 12 and adjacent the wall 4.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings which shows the container having its lid in a closed position, it may be seen that .the length of the rod 14 is such and the orientation of the springs 16 are such with reference to the rod 14 and the bars 11 that the projected extremity of the rod 14 is caused to bear on the back Wall 4 of the container 1 below the latch element 6;. It may also be seen from this drawing that the springs 16 apply a constant bias of the lower end of the rod 14 to the wall 4 of the container. The degree and orientation of this bias with reference to the rod 14 is such to provide a positive upward thrust on the lid which, While insuflicient to open the lid, is neverthless adequate to facilitate lifting of the lid. It is to be further noted that the sleeve 13 is of a length relative the pivot pin 12 and has an enlarged internal dimension enabling a lateral sliding and pivoting movement of the rod 14 on the pin 12 for purposes to be further described.

The operation of the invention apparatus may be seen with reference to the accompanying drawings. With the container lid 3 in a closed position, hearing at three sides on the upper edges of the front, rear and side walls of the container, the latch apparatus on the undersurface of the lid, as previously described, biases the projected extremity of the rod 14 to the back wall 4 of the container under the latch element 6. This bias of the rod 14 provides an upward thrust of a slight degree on the lid, even in its closed position, which facilitates the initial lifting of the lid to gain access to the container. In spite of the lid being heavy, this enables the lid to be easily lifted with one hand. As the lid moves upwardly, the projected extremity of the rod 14 moves upwardly, bearing against the back wall of the container and constantly effecting a vertical thrust on the lid due to its orientation. As the lid is lifted sufficiently for the extremity of rod 14 to engage the portion 7 of the bar element 6 on the back of the container, the springs 16 accommodate a movement of the projected etxremity outwardly of the wall 4 and over the portion 7. As soon as the edge of the portion 7 is passed by the extremity of the rod 14-, the springs 16 will snap the extremity into the notch 9 defined by the element 6. The lid may then be released to nest rod 14 in the notch '9 with its projected extremity biased inwardly to the back wall of the container and bearing on the portion of bar 6. The container lid is thereby securely latched in a raised position such as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

It may be seen that the lid is rendered easier to handle by the thrust thereon induced by the bias of rod 14. Such thrust varies in proportion to the degrees the lid is lifted due to the nature of the orientation of the rod relative the back wall of the container 1. Thus, not only is a firm latch of the lid in an open position provided but also a means facilitating lifting of the lid, irrespective of its weight.

To close the lid, one need only lift the lid beyond the point where it assumes a latched open position until the projected extremity of the rod 14 rides over the portion 8 of the latch element 6 to bear once more on the back wall of the container thcreabove. At this point the lid may be released and the projected extremity of rod 14 permitted to engage the upper surface 10 of the portion 8 of the latch element 6. Due to the relation of the sleeve 13 to the pin 12, as the weight of the lid is absorbed by the rod 14, the projected extremity of the rod 14 automatically moves downwardly on the inclined surface 10 moving laterally in the process, until it passes the latch element 6. As mentioned previously, the degree of play of the sleeve 13 between bars 11 and relative to the pin 12 permits this automatic deviation of the rod 14. As the projected extremity of the rod 14 passes the bottom of the latch element 6, springs 16 automatically center the rod under the latch element as the lid reaches a closed position.

The advantages of the invention are believed readily apparent from the embodiment above described. Not only does the invention provide a very effective means for latching an element in a raised or open position but it also provides lift inducing capabilities which may be applied to facilitate the lifting of covers or lids hinged over large containers or other hinged elements.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction therein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention we claim:

1. In a receptacle having a lid hinged to normally close an opening therein, rod means pivoted to said lid to depend in said receptacle, means to opposite sides of said rod means connecting between said rod means and said lid to center and bias said rod means to have its dependent extremity bear on one side of said receptacle at an angle to produce an upward thrust on said lid which facilitates lifting thereof.

2. In a receptacle having an opening, a lid, means hinging said lid to one side of said receptacle adapting it to close said opening, rod-like means pivoted to said lid to project within said receptacle, biasing means connected between opposite sides of the projected portion of said rod-like means and portions of said lid spaced to opposite sides of said rod-like means and towards said one side of said receptacle operative to center and bias the projected extremity of said rod-like means against said one side of said receptacle, at an acute angle thereto and, below the hinged portion of said lid to produce an upward thrust facilitating the lifting of said lid.

3. In a receptacle having a lid hinged to normally close an opening therein, rod means pivoted to said lid depending in said receptacle, spring means connecting at one end to spaced portions of said lid to opposite sides of said rod means and at their other end to an intermediate portion of said rod means to respectively opposite sides thereof, to provide a bias causing the dependent portion of said rod means to bear on an inner wall of said receptacle, at an acute angle thereto and vertically below the hinged portion of the lid, and latch means including a plate having its end portions relatively inclined and edge mounted to said inner Wall to provide a recess in the path of the dependent portion of said rod means on lifting of said lid.

4. In a receptacle having a lid hinged to normally close an opening therein, mounting means on said lid, means pivoted to said mounting means to provide it with a degree of lateral movement thereon, means connecting between said lid and pivoted means causing said pivoted means to be normally biased to engage an inner surface of the receptacle, at an acute angle thereto, below and intermediately of the hinged portion of said lid to produce an upward thrust on said lid, latch means on the inner surface of said receptacle in the path of said biased means on lifting of said lid including a horizontal cam surface and a relatively inclined cam surface angled to laterally intersect the path of movement of said biased means on opening of said lid, said horizontal cam surface providing a surface portion adapted to cooperate with said biased means to latch said lid in an open position and said inclined cam surface being operable on lifting the lid from its open position and release thereof to engage and deflect said biased means later-ally of its normal orientation to provide for closing of said lid.

5. For use on a panel hinged to a wall, a rod-like unit, means pivotally connecting said rod-like unit to said panel to provide it with a degree of movement along its pivot axis, biasing means connecting between respectively opposite side portions of said rod-like unit, intermediate its extremities, and said panel at angles to bias the free extremity of said rod-like unit to engage the wall vertically below the hinged portion of said panel to produce an inherent upward thrust against said panel, latch means for connection to the wall below the hinged portion of said panel and in the path of movement of the projected extremity of said rod-like unit on lifting said panel, said latch means on the wall including a horizontally projected surface portion in the path of movement of the projected extremity of said rod-like unit adapted to seat the projected extremity of said rod-like unit on a predetermined lifting of said panel and means in the normal path of movement of said rod-like unit operative on further lifting and release of said panel to engage and deflect the projected extremity of said rod-like unit to displace it on its pivot axis to clear the latch means on the wall and provide for the dropping of said panel thereby.

6. In a receptacle having a lid normally closing an opening therein, latch means on said lid including a dependent rod, means mounting said rod to selectively pivot in one plane and be angularly inclined relative thereto, and biasing means connecting between spaced portions of said lid and an intermediate portion of said rod angled to bias its dependent extremity at an angle to an inner surface of the receptacle to produce an upward thrust on said lid, a bar fixed by one edge to the inner surface of the receptacle spaced directly above the dependent extremity of said rod with the lid in a closed position, said bar including a horizontal portion generally parallel to the bottom of the receptacle and one end bent over and upwardly inclined relative thereto to define a recess therebetween into which said rod will be biased ion lifting the lid to secure the lid in a raised position, said relatively inclined portion of said bar serving as a deflector for said rod on further lifting the lid to cause said rod to clear the bar and release thereof.

7. In a receptacle having a lid hinged to normally close an opening therein, a first latch means on the undersurface of said lid, a second latch means on an inner wall of said receptacle, said first latch means including a rod element, mounting means, means providing a connection between one end of said rod element and said mounting means to selectively provide for pivoting of said rod element in one plane and deflecting of said rod element at angles inclined to said one plane, and means connecting between spaced portions of said lid to respectively opposite sides of said rod element and generally opposite portions of said rod element, intermediate its extremities, to generally center said rod element therebetween and bias the other end of said rod element to engage said inner Wall of said receptacle, at an acute angle thereto, below said second latch means, said second latch means being positioned in the path of movement of said biased rod element on lifting of said lid and including a lower edge mounted plate portion oriented generally transverse to said path of movement of said biased rod element and an edge mounted plate portion angled upwardly from one end thereof, at an acute angle thereto and defining a pocket therebetween in the path of movement of said rod element to automatically accommodate the projected extremity of said rod element on lifting of the lid, said angled plate portion of said second latch means serving to laterally deflect said rod element on lifting of said lid to have said rod element clear said angled plate portion and release thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 736,714 Gendron Aug. 18, 1903 923,694 Oswald June 1, 1909 2,035,944 Browne Mar. 31, 1936 2,090,473 Crabb Aug. 17, 1937 2,129,412 Edele Sept. 6, 1938 2,465,088 Gussock Mar. 22, 1949 2,989,340 Penner June 20, 1961 

4. IN A RECEPTACLE HAVING A LID HINGED TO NORMALLY CLOSE AN OPENING THEREIN, MOUNTING MEANS ON SAID LID, MEANS PIVOTED TO SAID MOUNTING MEANS TO PROVIDE IT WITH A DEGREE OF LATERAL MOVEMENT THEREON, MEANS CONNECTING BETWEEN SAID LID AND PIVOTED MEANS CAUSING SAID PIVOTED MEANS TO BE NORMALLY BIASED TO ENGAGE AN INNER SURFACE OF THE RECEPTACLE, AT AN ACUTE ANGLE THERETO, BELOW AND INTERMEDIATELY OF THE HINGED PORTION OF SAID LID TO PRODUCE AN UPWARD THRUST ON SAID LID, LATCH MEANS ON THE INNER SURFACE OF SAID RECEPTACLE IN THE PATH OF SAID BIASED MEANS ON LIFTING OF SAID LID INCLUDING A HORIZONTAL CAM SURFACE AND A RELATIVELY INCLINED CAM SURFACE ANGLED TO LATERALLY INTERSECT THE PATH OF MOVEMENT OF SAID BIASED MEANS ON OPENING OF SAID LID, SAID HORIZONTAL CAM SURFACE PROVIDING A SURFACE PORITON ADAPTED TO COOPERATE WITH SAID BIASED MEANS TO LATCH SAID LID IN AN OPEN POSITION AND SAID INCLINED CAM SURFACE BEING OPERABLE ON LIFTING THE LID FROM ITS OPEN POSITION AND RELEASE THEREOF TO ENGAGE AND DEFLECT SAID BIASED MEANS LATERALLY OF ITS NORMAL ORIENTATION TO PROVIDE FOR CLOSING OF SAID LID. 